Bar Refaeli Named Host of 'The X Factor' Israel

May 28, 2013 02:02:46 GMT

The model, who was picked as Maxim's sexiest women of 2012, will make her local TV hosting debut on the show.

Photo credit: /WENN

While "The X Factor (US)" recently announced its judge line-up, an Israeli version of the singing competition franchise has just found its host. Supermodel Bar Refaeli is tapped to host the inaugural season of the series in her homeland.

The gig marks the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl's local TV hosting debut. She previously co-hosted Bravo's 2008 special "Tommy Hilfiger Presents Ironic Iconic America" and served as a host for MTV's brief revival of "House of Style".

The 27-year-old model and occasional actress reportedly gets an estimated 1 million NIS-paycheck, or around $270,000, from the gig. This would make her the highest paid talent on the show, which has sealed veteran Israeli rocker Rami Fortis, ethnic-pop sensation Moshe Peretz and pop star Ivri Lider as the judges. Powerhouse balladeer Shiri Maimon will reportedly take the fourth seat on the panel.

The "The X Factor" Israeli will premiere this fall. Channel 2 network Reshet Broadcasting acquired rights for the FremantleMedia format in 2012 following the success of Israel's version of "The Voice".